Mia Nicolai reveals catchy alt-pop bop ‘Stuck’
Returning with a fire in her belly, Mia Nicolai’s triumphant new single ‘Stuck’ marks a brand new chapter for this exciting young artist.
Oozing with euphoria, ‘Stuck’ is an infectious celebration of freedom.
Upbeat and cheeky, the new single is born from catching feelings for someone. Initially wanting to shake it off, Mia decided to do the opposite and bask in the joy of attraction and anticipation of what could emerge from the early stages of connection. Sharing more, she explained: Stuck is written about a person who had something really magical about them, they were stuck in my mind. I think it’s really important to share a light perspective on life sometimes because there is so much darkness going on in the world. There’s something really beautiful in being attracted to someone, so I decided to embrace it and enjoy it.
2023 has been full of life lessons for Mia Nicolai and the launch of ‘Stuck’ sees her in her element, emerging proudly from the challenges she’s faced in the past, she’s stronger than ever and ready to reveal what she’s been working on.
Borders are often thought of as restrictive and limiting, separating one thing from another. For Edmonton indie pop band Baby Jey, they are anything but: borders for Baby Jey are meant to be played with, meant to be blended and blurred. Borders are not only to be crossed but to be inhabited.
At its core, Baby Jey is about these kinds of liminal spaces and experiences. First, the co-writers of the band are both dual citizens: lead singer Jeremy Witten is a citizen of Canada and the Netherlands and co-writer, producer, and bassist Dean Kheroufi is a citizen of Canada and Algeria. Both co-writers are also bilingual: Witten’s brother is Deaf, so his family communicated in American Sign Language and spoke English in the household, while Kheroufi grew up speaking both English and French. And since both co-writers of the band were raised in homes that embraced differing cultural worlds, one wonders whether this fact has something to do with their songwriting–that both songwriters have always been drawn to differing musical worlds, often exploring places where musical genres can mix and meld.
Jeremy Witten was raised in a family that attended the Edmonton Folk Music Festival every summer and he began his musical career as a singer-songwriter, only to end up hosting a punk and new wave radio show in college. Kheroufi started out playing bass in a jazz band but eventually came to embrace a career as a songwriter deeply inspired by soul music. All of these musical encounters have been formative for Baby Jey. Where do jazz and soul overlap? Where do folk and rock overlap? The exploration of these questions has led to the eventual sound the band embraces today.
In 2018, the band released Someday Cowboy, an album whose cover depicts the band in neon green and pink cowboy suits. Sonically, the album featured a unique blend of shimmery synths and pulsing rhythms with lap steel guitar and jangling mandolins. That same year, Witten and Kheroufi crossed yet another border when both songwriters moved to New York City for work and school. In 2019, Witten accompanied The Bobby Tenderloin Universe as a tambourinist on their American tour with Orville Peck. Meanwhile, Kheroufi has become the center of a Venn Diagram of three other bands. At the same time three additional touring members have been added to Baby Jey: Cameron O’Neill on drums, Maria Martire on synth, bass and vocals, and Phil Holtby on guitar–all of this begging another question about the borders of the band and its composition.
Jump to 2023 and the band are back in their hometown of Edmonton, Alberta with a brand new album, Crop Circles. Crop Circles is more danceable than their previous album. The songs have stronger hooks, and the instrumentation is more electronic and less acoustic, with many drum machines and synthesizers. There is still pedal steel guitar on the record, which has become a recognizable part of their sound, but there is no acoustic guitar, banjo, or mandolin as there was on the last record. Crop Circles is like Someday Cowboy but with glitter and bigger production. Someday Cowboy mused on the cultural motif of the “space cowboy.” On Crop Circles, the band has lost their cowboy hats, though there still is a continuing fascination with a meeting place of the cosmic and the rural. Crop circles are always found in the countryside, though they suggest a profound cosmic connection.
rising UK rapper Spencer Elmer teams up with Journey Montana and Arz on the new track, “Crush” Get it HERE via 10K Projects.
Spencer Elmer returns with his brand new single, “Crush” featuring Harlem’s princess Journey Montana and U.K. rap superstar, Arz. The suave track describes three different perspectives when having a crush. Recorded during a trip to Los Angeles, Spencer Elmer and Journey Montana found collaborative ease when meeting for the first time and recording “Crush.” Spencer adds:
“I had been seeing a ton of content of Journey Montana. I was so blown away by her voice and energy that I had to reach out, and a few months later, we met in L.A. working on a ton of music. When we finished ‘Crush’ we knew right away that we had to drop it. Flying back to London, I showed the song to Arz and he got a verse out almost instantly. Having three perspectives on relationships tied into the song together so well because it paints a unique picture between the three of our perspectives”
Fresh off his successful collaboration with UK rap star, Capo Lee on “Everytime,” the new single follows Spencer’s recent releases, “Independent Queen” “Hold It Down” and “Far From Rude” featuring one of the UK’s most respected rappers and songwriters JAY1, and bouncy, tongue-in-cheek cut “Calm Like Kim,” as well as following his recent signing to LA-based record label 10K Projects earlier this year.
Emerging as a formidable force in the contemporary R&B scene, Mya Craig is ready to take the music world by storm with her enchanting melodies and soulful vocals as she releases ‘It’s Up’.
After garnering accolades for her 2018 single, “4AM,” Mya caught the attention of none other than Dreamville’s own first lady, Ari Lennox. Pinned as an ‘artist to watch’ by BBC Radio Leeds & Nada’s Link Up TV. Mya has delved into the world of music, experimenting with various sounds and taking inspiration from an eclectic array of artists, including legendary producer Rodney Jenkins (known as Darkchild), Brandy, and Mariah Carey.
‘It’s Up’ sees Mya effortlessly gliding between sultry verses and powerful, uplifting choruses, delivering a performance that is both soulful and incredibly fun. Her vocal range is on full display, and you can feel the genuine passion and emotion behind every word she sings. Her journey, infused with emotion and a hint of nostalgia, has led her to craft a unique sound that captures the essence of R&B’s golden era while infusing it with a modern twist.
Speaking on ‘It’s Up’ Mya says “I just want to make people feel good again! ‘It’s Up’ is all about celebrating oneself after feeling down for a period of time. Prepping yourself up even when times or life can get hard, this song is supposed to remind myself and others that something greater is coming on the other side. A big emphasis and ode to self realisation and power, something no one can take away from you”.
Mya has created an exciting buzz from teasing her new music on TikTok, she has garnered over 800,000 views and an impressive 80,000 likes in a short space of time. What sets Mya Craig apart is her ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while simultaneously delivering a fun and wistful style.
Her music is not only a testament to her incredible vocal talent but also a reflection of her deep passion for the art form. With a sound that fuses nostalgia and modernity, Mya Craig is set to leave an indelible mark in the music industry.
It’s finally here! 12-time GRAMMY® Award nominee and one of the most influential rappers of all time Busta Rhymes proudly presents his anxiously awaited new full-length offering, BLOCKBUSTA out now via Conglomerate Ent./Epic Records.
Underground UK talent Michael Bird returns to the ether with the emotional sounds
of “Roots” – lifted from his forthcoming EP Evergreen due out early 2024.
An offering which tugs at the heartstrings through its rich orchestral moments and a
lyrical narrative written from the depths of Bird’s emotions, “Roots” touches on a
sensitive subject exploring patterns of broken relationships passed through
generations.
Skilfully utilizing metaphors of deciduous leaves dropping, “Roots” explores how
people might engage with long-term relationships differently, touching on heavy
topics like generational pain in a poetic and beautiful way that weaves in hope –
bringing the lyrics to life via earthy sounds artistically balanced with the dark mid-
tempo groove.
Speaking on the track, Michael Bird shared: “The song started with the sample that
plays at the start. We created this sample ourselves by layering lots of different
sounds and then pitching it up and chopped it. When we had the sample playing
over and over, it felt like autumn leaves were swirling around the studio. We decided
to use that as our writing palette and wrote lyrics that used deciduous and evergreen
trees as a metaphor.”
As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023 and welcome the new year with hope and positivity, Nashville Kill Rock Stars recording artist Lovetta (the alter-ego of Taylor Dupuis of Roanoke) will release her stunning cover of the timeless classic “Auld Lang Syne”, coupled with recent single “Gravity” (acoustic version)
ovetta states, “I thought it was a beautiful sentiment. It felt different than most holiday songs, and honoring the past but welcoming change and growth is something I’m always striving for.”
Accompanying this new holiday song, which is Lovetta’s first cover, is an acoustic version of her single “Gravity” which also represents an era of growth for the singer. “Writing that song was a moment of shedding and saying goodbye to my old life and patterns. I love the original, and it’s such a beautiful thing to be able to strip down a song to its original form.”
BIA’s hold on 2023 strengthens today with the release of her new music video, “Milano,” featuring Italian star Sfera Ebbasta and NYC’s Fivio Foreign. “Milano,” a standout from the international deluxe edition of BIA’s Really Her EP, is another shining example of the Boston area-bred star’s commitment to her international audience, and her ability to align with drill’s global landscape. The video, directed by VisionBank (Polo G, Moneybagg Yo), is now playing. The song is already GOLD in Italy and the video is going viral already post release.
EVERY HELL have intricately smashed together their influences and created their very own flavour – Doom Pop. Today we get to hear the bands first offering with single ‘Freaking Out’. The single was recorded and produced by Peter Miles at Middle Farm Studios and mixed in house by Mark Roberts, fans can expect a full EP in Spring 2024.
Rising Canadian producer zensei ゼンセー returns to Monstercat Silk today with a new chill EP, ‘lucid.’ An evolution of zensei ゼンセー’s sound, ‘lucid’ reaches back to his distinctive synth roots. The EP stays true to his lo-fi vibe while incorporating warm melodies and mesmerizing soundscapes that will induce a dopamine-filled nostalgia.
The EP mirrors the vivid experiences of zensei ゼンセー’s lucid dreams, serving as a recreation of the mind-altering feelings he experiences drifting into a dreamstate. “haunted” serves listeners a glimpse into one of his lucid dreams, where he is stuck inside a phantasmal mansion joining ghosts upon the dance floor. “something about us,” with Delaney Kai’s weightless vocals leading the track, holds a special place in zensei ゼンセー’s heart. The original “Something About Us” by Daft Punk was played at work after he had broken up with his ex-girlfriend at the time, who 15 years later has become his fiancée.
zensei ゼンセー shares, “‘lucid’ is a deeply personal journey through the boundless landscapes of my constant lucid dreams, where reality and imagination intertwine in a tapestry of sound and emotion. Usually it’s pretty adventurous with some sad undertones. I fly a lot in my lucid dreams and see my friends and family that are no longer with us. I usually have this dream where there is an endless hill made of Irimoya Japanese style roofs, and it seems endless. Right as I’m about to reach the peak (to see what skyline my imagination would invent), I wake up. ”
Continuing a celebration of 40 years in the industry Brit Award winner, Grammy nominee, and lead singer of iconic pop group, FIVE STAR, Deniece Pearson announces news of her first ever Christmas single, ‘Santa Claus is Coming.’ Out 1st December.
It’s a Caribbean Christmas for Deniece as she presents her original Christmas song ‘Santa Claus is Coming’. Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas and also the fun side of the season, the reggae-flavored ‘Santa Claus is Coming’ is an uplifting, joyful sing-along with pitch perfect harmonies and an infectious groove – a modern-day Christmas song with all the hallmarks of a keeper.
“With it being 5 Star’s 40th Anniversary what better than to release my first ever Christmas Song” says Deniece. “I wanted to celebrate Christmas – one of my favourite times of the year by writing a song which spreads love, celebrates the true meaning of Christmas and makes you want to dance too.”
‘Santa Claus is Coming’ follows her recent single ‘Forever Young’ – afeel good infused pop-bop which reached #12 in Music Week’s Pop Chart and went Top Ten in their Black Chart. It was taken from a new EP which also featured new versions of two Top 10 FIVE STAR classics ‘System Addict’ and ‘Rain or Shine.’ Deniece is also excited to be putting the finishing touches to her brand-new solo album ‘Free-Queen-See’out spring/summer 2024.
Testament to her enduring popularity Deniece has been welcomed back to the public eye with open arms, including recent high profile appearances on BBC Breakfast, ITV News and Sky News. In addition to the new music Deniece has also been busy on the live circuit performing two sold out shows at Pizza Express Live in London along with a string of other live performances up and down the country.
During her time with FIVE STAR, Deniece achieved unprecedented success with over 20 top thirty UK singles, including chart-toppers like ‘System Addict’, ‘The Slightest Touch’ and the anthem ‘Rain Or Shine’. The group holds the distinction of being the youngest British act to have a number one album, the first black group to win a BRIT (Best Group 1987) as well as the first group to achieve seven consecutive hit singles from a single album in the UK.
After taking a career break to raise her two children, Deniece made a triumphant return to the stage, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent. Her performances in the West End production of the Michael Jackson musical ‘Thriller Live’ in 2009 garnered great reviews, as well as starring in ‘Respect La Diva’ where she wowed audiences with her sensational cover of Beyonce’s ‘Listen’ and a medley of Whitney Houston hits. Deniece’s star power extended to international stages, including a memorable performance at the Sydney Opera House in Australia as a lead singer in the show ‘Disco Divas’.
Deniece’s appearance on BBC1’s The Voice in 2012 opened new doors, including an incredible opportunity to support The Jacksons on their UK tour. In September 2013, she released ‘Rafiki Yangu’ (Swahili for ‘My Friend’), a heartfelt tribute to Nelson Mandela and Africa’s pursuit of peace and prosperity. The song, dedicated to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, demonstrated Deniece’s commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact.
Following the success of her debut solo album, ‘Imprint’, released in the summer of 2014 and supported by a 16-date UK tour alongside Billy Ocean, Deniece continued to captivate audiences. Notably, she joined forces with DJ and producer Sigala to perform his chart-topping hit ‘Easy Love’ on the Top Of The Pops New Year’s Day BBC1 Special.
M’Grasker are a coven of humanoid meat sacks forged in the Vats of Creation by Dr. Gorp, himself. Their mission: to Rock. However, they are also permitted to Roll. Human terminology might define them as a “band”, however they would be more accurately described as Biological Property of M’Graskorp Unlimited Enterprises and Subsidiaries of the GlanGlan Group.
Much of M’Grasker’s DNA was salvaged from the backstage areas and bathrooms of seedy Toronto music venues and transferred via Scienetic Quantum Hurtlage to the M’Graskorp Labs, located just beyond Space and Time (and slightly to the left).
There, the illustrious Dr. Gorp folded the DNA into his patented bio-muck through perverse osmosis, adding a large scoop of adrenaline and dashes of other substances that can’t be named, much less comprehended.
After releasing their curt 69 track EP “Under the Righteous Sky” in 2022, the band endured a brief transmogrification when canine DNA entered the Vats, resulting in the dog themed follow up “Must Love Doggy” in 2023. In the ensuing battle for control of M’Graskcorp Unlimited Enterprises, the canine iteration of M’Grasker was destroyed, and the loveable lads from Lab 7 were rebirthed in nearly human form from the primordial ooze.
Nick Stefanacci, the accomplished saxophonist hailing from New Jersey, has dropped a holiday gem, with his latest single, “Christmas Eve.” This track features the smooth vocals of Rich Aveo, perfectly complementing Stefanacci’s soulful saxophone. It’s a sneak peek of what’s to come from Stefanacci’s upcoming EP, Secrets, which is set to launch on May 10, 2024.
Stefanacci, known for his diverse discography spanning pop, funk, and R&B, ventures into the world of Smooth Jazz with Secrets, his debut in this genre. This EP, entirely composed, arranged, produced, and mastered by Stefanacci, represents a meticulously crafted showcase of his artistic evolution. Joining him on the EP are vocal sensation Rich Aveo, pianist Carnell Harrell, bassist Mel Brown and drummer Eric Valentine. Furthermore, he surprises with his vocal prowess on “Fantasy” and “King of Pop,” demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore new musical horizons.
Check out “Christmas Eve,” the new holiday single by Nick Stefanacci, out now, and his new Secrets EP, out next May.
The holiday season just got a major dose of Brooklyn magic as acclaimed musician Raymond Castronovo, professionally known as Streetwise, unleashes his latest holiday track, “Here Comes Christmas Day.”
Castronovo enlisted the unparalleled talents of Grammy Award-winning recording producer, arranger, and mix engineer, Ken Wallace. Known for his work with legends like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, and Run DMC, Wallace brings his magic to the production, elevating Streetwise’s sound to new heights.
“Here Comes Christmas Day” features Joe Martinez, former bassist for Chubby Checker, along with Aaron Staniulis on keyboard and Linda Mackley on drums. Castronovo provides the vocals and guitar.
Castronovo expressed his gratitude, saying, “Working with such seasoned artists feels like Christmas every day.”
Critics have lauded Castronovo’s distinctive sound, with Take Effects Reviews describing his music as “timeless New York flavored rock’n’roll.” Americana Highways goes a step further, praising Streetwise for creating “vintage retro” tunes that strive “to reshape the original rock spirit lost in the mainstream over the years.”
“Here Comes Christmas Day” by Streetwise is a gift to music lovers everywhere and is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Stay tuned for new music by Streetwise – coming in 2024!
rlyblonde – the project of Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist Carina Allen – reveals her new single/video, “Your Angel,” out on all streaming platforms today. “Your Angel” is rlyblonde’s first new single since her momentous debut EP, ‘Fantasy,’ released earlier this year.
As the saying goes, ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,’ and rlyblonde proves that with her new single. It’s a cathartic release of anger packaged into an anthemic alt-rock banger, leaning into the trope of
“Creating music, for me, was always something fueled partially by anger; an anger at my life not being what I wanted, of being jealous of people around me, of feeling trapped or stuck,” she says. “So this song really sums up all of those angry, rebellious, teen feelings, while also tapping into something a bit darker— what it really feels like to have a trauma response to someone or something, and what to do with those complicated feelings.”
“Your Angel” is released with an accompanying visualizer that’s in-step with the song’s dark, brooding energy. The visualizer was produced by rlyblonde’s own production company, HOT CREATIVE (@rlyhotcreative). Handling the production and direction of all of her own videos, rlyblonde creates an all-encompassing visual world that compliments the music. “It’s one of the most important parts of the whole project,” she says.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
